Rsch Pro 3-Genetics/Cell Bio / Lab Manager

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,032 - 70,720; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities

Healthcare and dental plans

Disability insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Researcher/Lab Manager for the Diezmann lab in Saint Paul, MN. This role involves conducting experiments in DNA repair and managing lab operations.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with microscopy, genetics, and data analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health plans, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of experience in quantitative biological microscopy.
• Experience in genetics, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and cellular biology.
• Demonstrated skills in process and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Carry out single‑molecule tracking microscopy and high‑resolution imaging.
• Design genetic constructs and perform genetic manipulation of C. elegans.
• Manage ordering, budgeting, and train new lab members.

Skills

Quantitative biological microscopy

Data analysis (MATLAB, R, Python)

Genetic manipulation (C. elegans)

Education

BA/BS in biology, chemistry or related fields

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

R

Python

Job description

Position

Researcher/Lab Manager

Overview

The Diezmann lab at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is seeking a Researcher/Lab Manager. As a researcher, the candidate will pursue experiments to understand how DNA repair is coordinated along meiotic chromosomes, including single‑molecule microscopy in live nuclei, high‑resolution imaging, quantitative data analysis, and the design and maintenance of transgenic C. elegans strains. As a lab manager, the candidate will oversee wet‑lab operations, microscopy resources, and ordering/budgeting. This position is highly collaborative, with ample opportunities to mentor and learn from lab members, and to publish and present experimental results. The ideal candidate will be excited to help build a lab applying cutting‑edge techniques to uncover new mechanisms in cellular biophysics and chromosome biology.

About the Lab

The Diezmann lab works to understand how biological signals emerge from subcellular molecular dynamics. We use high‑resolution microscopy and genome engineering to study how competing DNA repair pathways are balanced during meiosis to ensure the faithful transmission of genetic material while creating genetic diversity in each generation. Our lab introduced the use of single‑molecule tracking microscopy in live meiotic nuclei in C. elegans, revealing how protein diffusion, binding, and accumulation transduces signals along meiotic chromosomes. Our lab values mutual support, technical mastery, and critical reasoning, and our work supports advances in human reproductive health, crop breeding, and diseases of DNA repair such as cancer.

Responsibilities

• 70% Research Experimentation: Carry out single‑molecule tracking microscopy, high‑resolution imaging, image and statistical data analysis in MATLAB and related pipelines. Design genetic constructs, perform genetic manipulation of C. elegans. Maintain laboratory records, prepare figures, and communicate results.
• 30% Lab Manager Operations: Administer ordering and budgeting. Prepare media and other stocks, maintain databases and protocols, provide safety training and compliance, optimize lab processes, and train new lab members.

Qualifications

Required qualifications: BA/BS degree in biology, chemistry or related fields plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years. At least four years of experience with quantitative biological microscopy.

Preferred qualifications: Master’s degree in biology, chemistry or related fields. Experience in genetics, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and/or cellular biology. Experience with Matlab, R, Python or other high‑level data analysis software. Experience with C. elegans, molecular biology, and/or CRISPR‑Cas9 genome engineering techniques. Demonstrated skills in process and inventory management.

Pay

Pay Range: $29.00 ($60,320) – $34.00 ($70,720), depending on education, qualifications and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.